Flint does not maintain a dedicated public heritage-tree registry in its Codified Ordinances, but Chapter 45 (Trees and Shrubs) uniformly protects all trees on streets, in parks, and in the public right-of-way - no removal or disturbance without a Forestry Division permit under Section 45-5. Specimen trees on private property may be designated through conditions on approved land-development plans under the Flint Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 50). Notable mature-tree resources include For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum (Genesee County Parks), Kearsley Park, and Mott Park.
Flint's tree-protection framework relies on uniform protection of public trees through Chapter 45 (https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/flint/latest/flint_mi/0-0-0-12957) rather than a separately curated heritage-tree registry. Section 45-5 establishes the Recreation and Park Board and City Forester authority over all trees and shrubs on streets, in parks, and in the public right-of-way. Notable mature-tree resources within Flint include Kearsley Park, Mott Park, Max Brandon Park, and the broader Flint park system - all under Chapter 45 protection. For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum (operated by Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, https://geneseecountyparks.org/) is a 380-acre preserve with an arboretum collection that falls under county - not City - jurisdiction. Trees on private property that have been designated as 'specimen' or 'tree to be saved' in an approved land-development plan are enforceable through the Flint Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 50, https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/flint/latest/flint_mi/0-0-0-14664) - once recorded on the plan, those trees cannot be removed without plan amendment by the Planning Commission. Voluntary protection options for private homeowners include conservation easements through the Michigan Nature Association, the Genesee Land Conservancy, and other regional land trusts, which create enforceable restrictions surviving sale. Michigan's Tree City USA participation is administered through the DNR Urban and Community Forestry program (https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/), supported statewide by ReLeaf Michigan. The Cleaner, Greener, Safer initiative through the Genesee County Land Bank Authority is establishing new tree canopy on vacant lots that may, over time, mature into the next generation of notable specimens.
Removing or significantly damaging a tree on a street, in a park, or in the public right-of-way without the Forestry Division permit required by Chapter 45 is a code violation, with standard Chapter 1 general penalties (typically up to $500 per violation), plus restitution for the appraised tree value (ISA methodology). Removal of a designated 'tree to be saved' under an approved Flint land-development plan without plan amendment is a Chapter 50 zoning violation, with fines plus required replacement planting at an elevated ratio. Damage to trees within For-Mar Nature Preserve or other Genesee County Parks property is enforced separately by the County Parks Commission. Willful destruction triggers MCL 600.2919 treble damages.
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